Concealable platform



Sept. 15,1959 I v.. E. MARK 2,904,380

YCONCEALABLE PLATFORM 4 She ets-Sheet 1 I Filed March 11, 195'? Fig. 4.

INVENTOR. Venn/0e E. Mark BY ATTORNEYS Sept. 15, 1959 V. E. MARK CONCEALABLE PLATFORM Filed March 11, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 I 1 a I o l2 INVENTOR.

Venn/0e 5. Mark ATTORNEYS Sept. 15, 1959 I v. E. MARK 2,904,380

' CONCEALABLE PLATFORM Filed March 11," 19s? v 4 Sheetsheet a INVENTOR. Venn/ca E. Mark 9 15, 1959 v. E. MARK 2,904,3 80

CONCEALABLE PLATFORM Filed March 11, 1957 4 sheets-sheet 4 uvmvrox. Venn/ca E. Mark BY (M ATTORNEYS United States Patent 2,904,330 CONCEALABLE PLATFORM Vennice E. Mark, 'EastGrand Rapids, Application March 11, 1957., Serial 1No.:645,2-3.7 9' Claims. (01; 312-41) This invention relates to furniture and more particularly to a combination support .-and concealed storage mean for a typewriter or :other equipment.

While this invention may be used in an ofiice mother business establishment, it :is specifically intended to provide .a neat, convenient and compact typewriter support for home .use. It provides a-combinatien table to support the machine while in ;use and @concealed atoragesfor it when not :in .use. it has the additional advantage of providing both of these ,fiaeilities without requiring the machine to beiremoved'irom the unit.

This invention permits various types of fiurn'iture to the used as a combination stand-and storage :fiacility tier an ofiice machine. For example, it may be incorporated in a desk, :an end table, a night stander atdlephone stand or cabinets of any nature. The mature :of the invention.

2,904,380 e-mess s .15.. .19 9

.Fig. .8 is an oblique-view ofsthe modifiedeonstnuction illustrated in Fig. 7, showing one side ,in phantom and the platformraised; f g F1559 is a plan view-of the co struction ihmtra edin 31"". v v, "1: ;,Fig. 19 is .asec i nal elevation yiew taken alonz p an s-9- V 1 .1.

Fig. 11 is an oblique view -.of, -a mod ficdwonstruotion fortheinvention Fig. 12 .is .an oblique view of .a .furthersm dification .of the format theyinvention illustrated-in Fig. ll.

Fg. 13 ;-is a sectional velevatiomvlew of a lumber modi: fied construction for .the platform illustrating theplatiorm insterageposit-ionr g p I I Fig. 14 is a sectional elevation view-pf th'e'QODSiMQR illustrated in fig. 13 showing the" platform in trained, operati l'gipfi it-ionv r Fig. 15 .isan enlarged fragmentary sectional elenation view OflthC platform illustrated in-lFigs, l3 andll, ShOW'. ing its attachment to thelfront wall. a

In executing the objects and purposes of my twenties. Lhave provided a housing in whiehaplatform .is, mounted for swinging movement irom .a lowered or storage pQsition to araised operatin Position. In transition-from one position to the other, the supports for-{the platform move threughapproximate1y-l80 degreeswhile supporting is such that the dual purpose of the furniture is entirely camouflaged.

This invention has the further advantages of simplicity and economy. in manufacture. .ease of Loperation adapts .it;to :home 1118C.

This invention provides a iirm support for the instrument :which will withstand the mibrationiineident to rth'e use of nfiice equipment. Yet it irequiiresuniniinum effort on the operators part to naise and dowertheequipinent; Its simplicity assures rfreedom from mechanical .difiinnlty and durahilityiin operation.

This invention solves the problem'lofusing-ttypewriters and similar equipment i-nthe honie. Heretofore, the only facilities adapted for :home use were typewriter. stands pro v iding at bes't, exposed storage il helonltysother available storage facilities-were either cupboards or drawers;

These require the machine to be moved firom'iitswplace of storage to its place of use at the beginning and end of each use. 'l hi's inventit msolves these problems. I

'These and other advantages of this invention will be immediately recognized by those skilled i-n lthe design and manufacture of furniture upon reading the fol'lowing specification and the accompanying drawings.

In the ldraw'ings:

'Fig. 1 {is an oblique view of my invention tWith one side illustrated in' p'hantom to expose the interior-of the housing, the platform being illustrated in' sdlid lines in stored position and in phantomlines in-ra'ised position.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of my invention.

Fig. '3 is a "sectional elevation =v'- iew taken along the'plane IH-HI of Fig. '2 showing the platform in --storage'posi-' tion in lines and in raised position in phantom.

'Fig. 4 isa fragmentary view of the handle: for manipu latingtheplat form of my "invention. I t

Fig. '5 is an oblique view of a piece of furnitm'edncorporating my invention. 7

Fig.6 is a sectional 'elevntimi view daken talnngihe plane :of Fig. v

'Fig. .7 is an oblique View of ("a modified rfQI'Hl-Df this inventionshowin-g one side linphantorn and the frontoval held down to expose the interior storage chamber and the platform in storage position.

the platform parallelto 'the topsurtace-ofthe housingat all times. 1 ,In both 'positions, =the; -pla;tto1;-m-.is: stabilized bya spring :hiased wall; which ungestheqplatfonm firmly e instarfixedwallors op- Y I p in the following (description, .thertinvention ais described asene tor a typewriter. vThis .is-only tor convenience and is not to be considered as a limitation of theme of this invention to typewriters. 'It may be used with any type of machine .of such compact structure that it may be concealed within :the storagechainber. For el ample, 'itmay be .used for such equipment as a' kitchen mixer or other small home appliances. 5 'Referring' specifically to the drawings,v the. numeral 1 indicates a housing having a pair 'of'parallelsid'e 'pa'tiels 2,,la,front.panel 3 and aback panel' t (Fig.1).

The .fr'ont, back and side panels dfine a storage .ch'aim her.5 open at the top and 'closedon its lowerend hy'a bottom 6. 'IIliese panels are all 'securelyfixed together, Thefhousin'g :1 may be a separate unit wfithinitselfor it maybe an integral ,part of .a larger piece of furniture such as a desk, end table, cabinet, corner tensor-m I stand. is illustrated by .the night stand 26 ,(Fig'. ,5) in which the .sto'ragecornpartnlent Iis concealed'behind meeumny drawer non; 52:1 while the lower Po tia, in the 'standhehiud 'flle'. door 28 retalins'itsiradition 1 strnctureand ffunefion. 7 Access to the storage com rt;- ment is obtained by 1315' g the hin ed topu2'9, The in tegra ion of-thisinyent ion into various pieces. treasure doesv not changeit but rather servos thenlllfposeofbl d: ing it into its surroundings and of concealing it's' lti' le purpose. I v To facilitate and simplify .the understanding {and d? scription of this invention, it is illustrated as a parate unit. .It should, ,-h'owev.er, be considered that the housing described .in the following specificatio and Iillhstratediu the several figuresma'y constitute .an integralpart of 'a largerpieceotilimiture. g I Seated within the .storageehamber .5 is a autism 111'.

The platform-10 i ss-substantially shorter than the (storage.

' empty. .Mounted .toihe hottormof.Lheplirtfbifnnjldzi its sides, are a pair of legs 14. The outer manner the legs 14am flushwith .the sides of theplatform. T he platform is supported on each {sideiby 1 1. Qne end' oteach ma amansec'nedar I} o; the side panel 2 of the housing and member end pivot:

ally attached at 13 to the legs 14 of the platform 10. As the platform is moved from one position to the other, the arms pass through an arc of somewhat more than 180. The arms 11 on each side are all in the same plane and are of such length and so spaced that they may pass each other without interference. Further, the length of the arms 11 is such and the position of the pivots 12 is' such that the platform 10 in raised or operating position is flush with the top of the housing 1. In lowered position, the-platform 10 is sufficiently below the top of the housing that a typewriter seated on-it will be below the top surface of the housing.

The empty rear portion of the storage chamber is separated from the portion in which the platform normally rests by a movable panel 20. The movable panel is secured by hinges 21 to the bottom 6 and is spring biased forwardly against the platform. This bias may be produced by hinges having springs incorporated into them or by a separate spring.

To facilitate manipulation of the platform, it may be provided with a suitable handle 22. While various types of handles may be employed for this purpose, a preferred type is one having a hinged grip 23 which normally seats flush with the surface of the platform but may be pivoted out of its seat when in use (Fig. 4).

To facilitate the raising and lowering of the platform, it may be biased upwardly by any suitable means such as the coil spring 24. The spring should have sufficient strength to accomplish a major portion of the lift required to raise the platform 10 when it is loaded with a typewriter or similar instrument. Since the platform has substantial forward and rearward movement as it swings about the pivots 12, the respective ends of the spring 24 must be firmly supported to the platform 10 and the bottom 6 as by the discs 33. These fit snugly in each end of the springs. If desired, a plurality of springs may be used.

Modifications Figs. 7, 8 and 9 illustrate a modification of this invention. In this construction, the platform 10 and its mounting to the side panels 2 of the housing 1 remains the same. However, the panel 20 of the construction illustrated in Fig. l is eliminated and the back wall 4 of the housing serves as a stop for the platform in both raised and lowered positions. The front panel 3a, however, is hinged at 25 and is spring biased upwardly and rearwardly to urge the platform against the back panel 4. Preferably, the biasing is effected by hinges having builtin springs. In this construction, the arms 11 are respaced to support the platform at both its front and rear ends and in the middle.

It will be recognized that in the modified construction the rear portion of the storage chamber between the rear panel 4'and the panel 20 of the construction illustrated in Fig. 1 may be retained by fixing the panel 20 to the housing. This area can then be used for storage such as for envelopes, paper and pencils.

The top of the housing 1 may be closed by any suitable means such as a lid or cover 30 secured to the back panel 4 by suitable hinges 31.

In the modified construction, the front wall 32 may be provided with a ridge 50 projecting above the top of the housing. This enters into and cooperates with the slot 51 in the lid 30. When the lid 30 is closed, the ridge 50 serves as a back. This prevents the front wall from pivoting forwardly under pressure from the platform 10 in the event the furniture is accidentally tipped forward. The housing 1 and its related cover 30, together with the platform 10, may be fabricated from any suitable material. It may be provided with any type of finish required for improving its ornamental appearance.

Fig. 11 illustrates a modification of the invention applicable to either of the front or rear swinging constructions. In this design, the arms 11 are secured to a beam 60 on each side instead of directly to the housing. The beam is of such height that it bears against a major length of the arms 11 in both raised and lowered positions. This provides added stability for the platform, preventing lateral sway.

The beams 60 have holes 61 for fasteners whereby they may be secured to the side walls of the storage chamber. By using the beams 60, the platform may be fabricated in standardized sizes ready for installation in a piece of furniture. The operator making the installation merely has to mount the beams and possible difliculty arising from improper spacing or twisting the arms is eliminated. Such units may be incorporated in a piece of furniture, a kitchen cabinet or a cupboard by constructing them with a storage chamber of the proper dimensions. The operation of the platform is identical to that of the platforms illustrated in Figs. 110.

Fig. 12 illustrates a further development of the construction illustrated in Fig. 11. Here the platform 10 is secured to a chassis or framework 70 consisting of sides 71, a bottom 72 and a pivoted end panel 73. The platform 10 is secured to the sides 71 in exactly the same manner as it would be to the housing 1 by a plurality of arms 11 on each side pivotally attached at one end to the platform and at the other end to the sides at 13. The end panel 73 is secured to the bottom 72 by hinges and is biased upwardly and inwardly against the platform by resilient means such as springs.

This construction makes it possible to fabricate the platform and its associated operating structure as an integral unit of various standardized sizes. These units may then be incorporated in a piece of furniture, a kitchen cabinet or a cupboard by constructing them with a storage chamber of the correct dimensions. All that is required to install the unit is to seat it in the storage chamber and secure it to the walls of the chamber as by screws using the holes 74.

Figs. 13, 14 and 15 illustrate a modification of the platform by which a pivoted front leaf 65 is added. The front leaf 65 is attached to the platform by hinges 66. When the platform is stored or being manipulated the leaf is folded up substantially normal to it. In the platforms operating or raised position, the leaf is lowered to align with it. When hinges of the type illustrated are used the raised leaf will project somewhat beyond the edge of the platform. Further, the under surface of the leaf has an outwardly projecting pin 67.

Since it is essential that the platform, in both positions, has a firm bearing against the fixed front wall 3, the forward ends of the legs 14 are extended sutliciently to eliminate contact between the pin 67 and the front wall.

In raised position, the platform 10 is brought to bear against the front wall 3. It is held in this position by the biasing action of the rear panel 20 under the influence of the springs associated with the hinges 21. The leaf 65 is then folded down, causing the pin 67 to enter the recess 68 in the front wall. The platform is then locked against both forward and backward movement. The engagement of the legs 14 against the front wall serves as a positive stop against forward movement while the pin serves as a positive stop against rearward movement.

It will be recognized that the leaf 65 may be employed whether the rear panel 20 is hinged (Figs. l-6) or the front panel is hinged (Figs. 7-10). In the latter construction, the ridge 50 may be eliminated or the leaf 65 notched to receive it. If the leaf 65 is notched to receive the ridge, the pin 67 is eliminated since the ridge 50 serves the same purpose.

The addition of the leaf provides means by which the platform can be extended forwardly of the furniture. Thus, the machine on the platform can be shifted forwardly to a comfortable operating position with the leaf assuring adequate leg room for the operator.

Operation The platform is assumed to be in lowered or storage position as shown: in full lines in Fig;.. 1 While-it is notillustrated in Fig. 1, it is assumed that a typewriter or similar instrument is resting onthe platform. To raise the platform, the operator grasps it by the gripor. handle 23 and pushes it backward; As it moves, the arms 11 guide the platform backward andupward about the pivots 12. The spring 24- urges it-i upwardly sothe operator has toexert only slight liftingforce, the operators major task being; that of regulating the-movement-of the platform.

As the platform is movedrearwardly, it. forces the hinged panel to move rearwardly. While the pivots 13 are: below the pivots 12,, the springs biasing the panel 20 forwardly resist the movement of the plat-form. After they are above the pivots 12,. these springs cooperate in moving the platform up and finally press the platform firmly against the fixed front panel 3;. The springs urging. the panel 20 against the platform should. have suihcient strength to cause the platform to press firmly against its stop at bothlimits of its travel.

The unit is so constructed that the pivots 13 moveslightly forward of the pivots 12 in both raised: andlowered position. This. produces an over-center effect and stabilizes the platform. Particularly in raised. position this translates downward pressure into forward movement, urging the platform 10 more tightly against the fixed front panel 3'. Thus, the platform 10 is firm and stable even under the vibration incident to the use of machines such as typewriters; The unit is so designed that when the platform'is stopped against the front panel 3' it is flush with the top of" the housing.

The arms 11 should be so designed that their ends do not extend above the surface of the platform 10 when it is raised. This will. assure an unimpeded surface which will not have a tendency to snag paper or other articles. In lowered position, the legs 14* of the'piatform must clear the bottom 6 of the storage chamber sufficiently to permit them to pass over the movable panel 20 as the platform initiates its rearward movement. This can be facilitated by rounding 01f the lower rearward ends of the legs as suggested at 36 in Fig. 6.

It has been found that such a platform supported by four of the arms 11, two on each side, is unstable. Particularly when it is being pivoted from one position to the other and reaches the position where the arms are parallel to the platform, it tends to twist sideways. This twisting interferes seriously with the manipulation and renders it unstable when raised. This is particularly serious when the platform is loaded with a heavy or delicate piece of equipment. Even in raised position fewer than three arms on each side materially reduces the stability of the unit. However, the provision of three arms on each side substantially eliminates this racking effect and stabilizes the platform. If the size of the platform permits, the addition of more arms contributes further to the stability of the platform.

The operation of the modified form of this invention illustrated in Fig. 7 is the same as that of the form illustrated in Fig. 1, except that the platform swings forwardly instead of rearwardly. In both forms, when the platform 10 is in storage position and the cover is closed, the storage chamber, platform and machine on the platform are entirely concealed and the purpose of the piece of furniture cannot be determined from mere external inspection.

The simplicity of the various components used in this invention adapts it to inexpensive manufacture. Despite this, the invention simultaneously provides both complete storage and positive support for the typewriter when in operation. It provides a complete and satisfactory solution to the storage and use of typewriters and similar ofiice equipment in the home. It also provides a unit which may be adapted to incorporation in various types of furniture either especially designed as an equipment stand or camouflaged as furniture normally designed for an entirely different purpose.

While I have described a preferred embodiment of my invention, it will be recognized that'various'modifications may be made. Such of these modifications as incorporate the principles of this invention are to be considered as included in the hereinafter appended claims unless these claims, by their language; expressly state otherwise.

I claim:

I. A combination work and storage unit comprising: a" frame having. side members; an upstandingpanel and hinge elements pivotally securing' said panel to one lower end' of said frame; means resiliently biasing said panel into upright position and toward the geometric center of said frame; aplatform; legs depending from said platform at two opposite margins thereof; at least three arms= pivotally attached at one of their ends to each of said legs; each of said legs at the. other of its ends pivotally attached to one of said side members; the spacing between said arms being" greater than theirl'e'ngth whereby said arms on each side of said platform may swing past each other in. a common plane; in one position said arms holding said platform above said frame and in another position said arms holding said platform adjacent the bottom of saidframe;

2. A combination work and storage unit comprising:

. a housing having a storage chamber; a platform within said chamber; arms on' each side of said platform each pivotally" securedon' one end to said platform and on the other end tothe side walls of said housing; in one position said arms holding said platform flush with the top of said housing: and in. another position said arms holding 35 said platform adjacent the bottom of said storage Challis ber; a stationary panel secured to' said housing; aspring biased panel and means pivotally securing said hiased panelto said housing, said biased panel adapted to urge saidplatform against said stationary panel in both positions.

3. A combination work and storage unit comprising: a housing having a storage chamber; a platform within said chamber; arms on each side of said platform each pivotally secured on one end to said platform and on the other end to the side walls of said housing; in one position said arms holding said platform flush with the top of said housing and in another position said arms holding said platform adjacent the bottom of said storage chamber; a stationary panel secured to said housing; a movable panel and hinge means securing said movable panel to said housing; spring means biasing said movable panel toward said platform whereby said platform is urged against said stationary panel in both positions.

4. A combination work and storage unit comprising: a housing having a storage chamber; a platform within said chamber; three arms on each side of said platform each pivotally secured on one end to said platform and on the other end to the side walls of said housing; in one position said arms holding said platform flush with the top of said housing and in another position said arms holding said platform adjacent the bottom of said storage chamber; a stationary panel secured to said housing; a spring biased panel and means pivotally securing said biased panel to said housing, said biased panel adapted to urge said platform against said stationary panel in both positions.

5. A combination work and storage unit comprising: a housing having a storage chamber; a platform within said chamber; arms on each side of said platform each pivotally secured on one end to said platform and on the other end to the side walls of said housing; said arms all being mounted in two common planes, one on each side of said platform; the length of said arms being less than the spacing between said arms whereby said arms may swing past each other; in one position said arms holding said platform flush with the top of said housing and in another position said arms holding said platform adjacent the bottom of said storage chamber; a stationary panel secured to said housing; a spring biased panel and means pivotally securing said biased panel to said housing, said biased panel adapted to urge said platform against said stationary panel in both positions.

6. A combination Work and storage unit comprising: a housing having a storage chamber; a platform within said chamber; arms on each side of said platform each pivotally secured on one end to said platform and on the other end to the side walls of said housing; in one position said arms holding said platform flush with the top of said housing and in another position said arms holding said platform adjacent the bottom of said storage chamber; a stationary panel secured to said housing; a spring biased panel and means pivotally securing said biased panel to said housing, said biased panel adapted to urge said platform against said stationary panel in both positions; said arms swinging through more than 180 of arc and said platform at both limits of its travel being overcenter in a direction toward said stationary panel.

7. A combination work and storage unit comprising: a housing having a storage chamber; a platform within said chamber; arms on each side of said platform each pivotally secured on one end to said platform and on the other end to the side walls of said housing; in one position said arms holding said platform flush with the top of said housing and in another position said arms holding said platform adjacent the bottom of said storage chamber; said platform being adapted to travel forwardly and rearwardly of said housing on said arms; the front panel of said housing being stationary; a movable panel in said housing spaced from the rear wall thereof and hinge means securing said movable panel to said housing; resilient means biasing said movable panel toward said platform and said platform against said front panel in both positions.

8. A combination work and storage unit comprising:

a housing having a storage chamber; a platform within said chamber; arms on each side of said platform each pivotally secured on one end to said platform and on the other end to the side walls of said housing; in one position said arms holding said platform fiush with the top of said housing and in another position said arms holding said platform adjacent the bottom of said storage chamber; said platform being adapted to travel forwardly and rearwardly of said housing on said arms; a stationary panel behind said platform; the front panel of said housing being movable and hinge means securing said front panel to said housing; resilient means biasing said front panel toward said platform and said platform against said stationary panel in both positions.

9. A piece of furniture having walls defining a storage chamber open at its upper end; a platform within said chamber; arms on each side of said platform each pivotally secured on one end to said platform and on the other end to one of said walls; in one position said arms holding said platform flush with the top of said walls and in another position said arms holding said platform adjacent the bottom of said storage chamber; a stationary panel secured to said walls; a spring biased panel and means pivotally securing said biased panel to a wall of said storage chamber, said biased panel adapted to urge said platform against said stationary panel in both positions.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 548,639 Heyward Oct. 29, 1895 735,312 Stokes Aug. 4, 1903 2,455,156 Balzi et a1. Nov. 30, 1948 2,643,167 Wade June 23, 1953 2,678,862 Paliuca May 18, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 939,285 Germany Feb. 16, 1956 

